Ridgefield Symphony opens with Beethoven

Published 7:48 pm, Friday, September 27, 2013

Principal clarinetist Edward Wojtowicz has formidable cadenza and solo melody parts in some of the pieces to be performed by the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, Sept. 28, in Ridgefield.
Photo: Contributed Photo

The group will also perform Prokofiev's Violin Concerto No. 2 with soloist Jennifer Frautschi.

The concert focuses on rhythmic effects and will begin with KodÃ¡ly's "Dances of Galanta," which has seven interconnected dances with varied rhythms whose boundaries are indicated by changes in key and tempo.

There are virtuoso solo passages for flute and piccolo, often playing together, as well as oboe. The clarinet is featured throughout the piece.

In particular, principal clarinetist Edward Wojtowicz has formidable cadenza and solo melody parts in the first and last dance.

In the latter he joins the orchestra as the dance moves at breakneck speed. The work is described as an exhilarating experience for listeners.

Ridgefield High School is at 700 N. Salem Road and the concert begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 to $60. For other details call 203-438-3889 or visit www.ridgefieldsymphony.org.